Explore the Colosseum & Surroundings with a Local Guide
3 hours
Skip The Line Tours
Rome
Choose one of 15 locals available
Experience hosted by Pietro Paolo, Carlo & other locals
Private Tour
Carbon Neutral
A quick visit to the Colosseum is not enough. There are other spots worth checking out outside this attraction, and your local host knows exactly where. Combine your visit to the Colosseum with a touch of hidden gems and an easy access to this famous attraction, and you are set for a good time!
Destination
Rome, Italy
Category
Skip The Line Tours
Duration
3 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English, Italiano, Français, Español, Deutsch
Included
Private Guide
All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral
Excluded
Entrance tickets need to be paid directly to the host
Note: Tickets will be purchased by your host in advance
and a list of all participants with full names and ages is required at the time of booking.
6 reasons to book this tour
Your host will purchase the tickets for your
Discover more than just the attraction
See the Colosseum from a different perspective
Can be 100% personalized to your wishes
Ins & outs of the attraction & its surroundings
Forget about big tourist groups & audio guides!
What you can expect
Make the most out of your visit to the Colosseum and get to know the ins and outs of this world-famous attraction and its surroundings by the side of a local expert.
On this private tour, you’ll not only visit the Colosseum, your local host has more in store for you. Whether it is a hidden gem on your way to the attraction or a must-see around the area, this will set up the tone for what’s to come inside the Colosseum. Isn’t this the best way to build up anticipation!?
If there’s something you can expect from this tour is tons of insights and things to discover. Check out Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and many more treasures inside and outside the Colosseum.
At the end of your tour, the Colosseum awaits you. Don’t wait long to enter and start exploring this fascinating attraction. Your local host has plenty to share, so ask away! This is your chance to satisfy your curiosity about the Colosseum and Rome.
The local hosts are natural storytellers, each one with a different background ranging from arts to history. They can’t wait to share some of their unique stories and personal anecdotes with you! Feel like changing the route a bit? No problem, the hosts will be happy to personalize the tour to your wishes.
Note: Tickets will be purchased by your host in advance, and a list of all participants with full names and ages is required at the time of booking.
Choose your local
Get to know these 15 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.
Pietro Paolo
in love with the ancient Romans
5.0114 reviews
English・Italiano
Carlo
The Adventurous Historian
5.0106 reviews
English・Italiano
Valentina
The Art Historian
4.9702 reviews
English・Français・Español・Italiano
Cecilia
The Classical Music Pro and art historian
4.9257 reviews
English・Italiano
Alessandra
History storyteller and foodie!
5.07 reviews
English・Italiano
Federico
Fun historian
4.9386 reviews
English・Español・Italiano
Eleonora
The Wandering Architect
5.0584 reviews
English・Italiano・Deutsch
Lia
Roman Artisan & Profi Tour Host
5.0
English・Italiano
Lia Beatrice
The Dancing Archeologist
4.9186 reviews
English・Italiano
Eleonora
The Globetrotter Guide
5.014 reviews
English
Monica
5.015 reviews
English・Italiano
Yanira
The Curious Storyteller
5.0812 reviews
Español・Italiano・English
Sara
The Foodie Art Historian & Photographer
5.0381 reviews
English・Español・Italiano
Valeria
The Traveling Architect & Photographer
4.9461 reviews
English・Italiano
Barbara
The Witty Architect
5.038 reviews
English・Italiano
This is the plan
Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.
Meeting point
Meet at At the metro station Colosseo next to the green kiosk - Rome to start your journey
Itinerary
This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.
Beautiful Surroundings
To better understand what you’ll see inside the Colosseum, your local host will start by showing you other hidden gems around the attraction. That way, you can get to know more about Rome and the Colosseum for a perfect introduction to your tour
How It Works
Before entering the Colosseum, meet your host and get an introduction to your tour.
Ahead of the Crowds
On this tour, follow your local host’s lead and spend time inside the attraction discovering its highlights and hidden gems
Inside the Colosseum
Once you are inside, follow your local host’s insights as you check out the must-sees, as well as the hidden gems that not many know about. Be part of an enriching tour that will satisfy your curiosity and answer all of your questions!
Keep Exploring
After the time with your host is over, you can either stay inside the attraction and keep exploring by yourself or say goodbye outside the attraction where your host will point out other spots to explore in Rome
Make it yours
Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.
Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.
Flexible cancellation policy
Feel confident booking
Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.
Change of plans?
Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.
Loved by travelers worldwide
Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.
Reviews from guests
Sylvester (Sly)🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
6 June 2025
Our tour of the Colosseum with Cecilia on May 6th was terrific. To minimize the discomfort of two members in our group, that had sensitive knees, she walked at a moderate pace and built in adequate rest stops throughout the tour. Cecilia’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the Colosseum come to life by providing fascinating insights into its history and architecture. As we walked through the Colosseum, Cecilia pointed out details/areas we would have missed and patiently answered all of our many questions. She even brought along illustrations to help us better visualize how the Colosseum looked and operated when built versus how it appears today. Due to the steep incline and uneven path with cobblestones we declined touring Palatine Hill. However, that did not deter Cecilia, she found an area where we could sit and continued the tour using her illustrations...what a professional. I highly recommend anyone wishing to tour the Colosseum and Palatine Hill request Cecilia, you will not be disappointed. Knowledgeable and Illustrations
margit.wech
(About local )
5 June 2025
Wir hatten eine fantastische Führung mit Eleonora. Sie ist wunderbar altersgerecht und geduldig auf die Fragen unseres 8jährigen Sohnes eingegangen und hat es gleichzeitig geschafft, die Tour auch für uns Erwachsene zu einem Erlebnis zu machen. Ganz herzlichen Dank aus Österreich!Großartig - vor allem mit Kind!
Kirsten
(About local )
2 June 2025
Paolo organised a phenomenal tour of the Forum and the Colosseum for one adult, a history-buff 12 year old, and a superhero-fan 9 year old. He managed to keep us all entranced for 3 hours, in high heat and big crowds. Paolo had put a great deal of thought into how to run the tour, and adapted along the way as the kids asked him for story after story of Rome. He was personable and patient, and very understanding about the kids need for toilet stops and shade. I would recommend Paolo's tours without reservation. He could answer every question we had about Roman history and made the experience really fun as well as educational. Incredible tour - couldn't be happier
Carolyn🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
1 June 2025
This was our second tour using WithLocals and we had another wonderful experience. Our guide was Pietro Paolo and his tour was fantastic. Pietro has extensive knowledge of the history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Italy and kept us engaged throughout the entire tour . I highly recommend Pietro - you won’t be disappointed. Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
Mari
(About local )
30 May 2025
Cecilia was communicative, worked with us on our schedule, and very informative. She made an overwhelming site visit to the Colosseum and Forum grounds more approachable and really brought the history alive for us. We really enjoyed her company, and the time she took with us. Highly recommend her!! Wonderful!
Gordon
(About local )
28 May 2025
Federico was an amazing tour guide. He has great knowledge of Roman history and shared it with passion. We learned lots on our tour and Federico made it a really interesting and enjoyable time. He also gave us lots of great tips for the rest of our time in Rome. We would thoroughly recommend Federico to anyone looking for a tour guide in RomeRoman Forum and Colloseum tour
Amanda
(About local )
27 May 2025
We had a fabulous tour with Carlo at the Colosseum recently. He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging and very attentive. Thank you Carlo so much.
Carlo tour at the Colossuem
Unknown
(About local )
22 May 2025
Federico is an awesome guide. Despite the very heavy rainfall (the heavens opened up during the tour, delivering ‘buckets’ full of water) Federico kept us all engaged with his knowledge of Roman history, by relating it to our contemporary understanding of things like politics, sports and society in general. Each member of our group (from Australia) would happily recommend Federico as a guide. Thank you!Informative and Engaging
Kelly🇬🇧 United Kingdom
(About local )
20 May 2025
We (my partner and I) had the most incredible private and personalised version of this tour with Paolo. Not only did he spend longer than originally planned to ensure we saw everything and answered our many questions, but Paolo was a true font of all knowledge. He brought the history of Rome to life, and we could not recommend him more. A tour-de-force of Ancient Roman history
Patti🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
20 May 2025
When my husband and I decided to come to Italy, we did our own thing due to my physical limitations. We decided to see both the Vatican and Colosseum. We liked the looks of Carlo; he smiled with his eyes as well as his whole face. We booked him for both experiences. He allowed this religion teacher to go down rabbit holes in the Vatican. Walked at our pace in both places. He was very knowledgeable about both places and very passionate about history. If we ever come back to Rome and want to take a tour, Carlo is our go to guy!!BEST GUIDE EVER!!!
Tracy
(About local )
20 May 2025
Paolo was an awesome tour guide. My family of 4 learned so much new information. Both my husband and I had already been to the colosseum several years ago and I was amazed at how much new knowledge I left with. I would highly recommend Paolo as your guide in Rome. He does not rush your experience!:) Thank you Paolo!Amazing morning!
BRUCE
(About local )
17 May 2025
The tour was outstanding. Great Tour
Christian🇨🇭 Switzerland
(About local )
15 May 2025
If you’re seeking to experience Rome not just as a tourist, but as a time traveler through the marble veins of the ancient empire, Federico the patrician guide of Rome is an absolute gem. He brings a rare blend of erudition, elegance, and storytelling that elevates the city’s classical splendor into vivid life.
Led by a true patrician in both knowledge and demeanor, he doesn’t simply point out ruins or recount textbook facts. Instead, you’re invited to inhabit the world of Cicero, Augustus, and Livia. The Forum is no longer a pile of stones, but a beating civic heart. The baths of Caracalla aren’t just remnants, but stages for political intrigue and lavish spectacle.The patrician guide you are looking for!
qgnnd25mpx
(About local )
12 May 2025
Valentina was friendly and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Coloseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum. I would certainly book another tour with her.Wonderful Tour!
Tom
(About local )
11 May 2025
Pietro provided an excellent tour of the Forum and Coliseum in Rome this past week. Pietro communicated well before and during the tour. Our heads are still spinning with all the historical facts and details Pietro shared with us. Pietro offered to go over the time allotted if we were interested, of course we agreed and the history was incredible.
We highly recommend you chose Pietro for a tour while you are visiting Rome!!Wonderful tour of the Forum and Coliseum
Brad🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
10 May 2025
Alessandra was a fantastic guide for my son and me at the Colosseum and Roman Forum! More than just an expert, she had an incredible ability to tailor her explanations to our level of historical knowledge. But what really set her apart was her gift for storytelling—she brought Ancient Rome to life with captivating and entertaining tales. We’d definitely want her as our guide again for any future tours. She’s truly one of a kind!A Wonderful, Unique Tour Guide!
Brayden
(About local )
9 May 2025
Valeria was a great tour guide! She was very knowledgeable and pointed out some hidden gems/facts you wouldn’t know otherwise. She was very kind and we enjoyed our time with her very much!Great Tour of Colosseum!
Miranda🇦🇺 Australia
(About local )
5 May 2025
We had a fantastic tour with Alessandra! Her knowledge was on point and she showed us everything we wanted to see. The communication prior to the tour was excellent and she gave us great food recommendations for our group as we were looking for gluten free restaurants. Definitely would recommend for a tour!Alessandra the knowledgeable!
Karl🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
2 May 2025
We spent 3 hours with Carlo touring the colosseum and forum today and I'm sure we'll look back on this as one of the highlights of our trip. We learned so much history and we're shown details we'd never have noticed on our own. Carlo is super knowledgeable and a really nice guy. Thanks Carlo!Book a tour with Carlo!
Nathan & Megan🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
1 May 2025
Worth the price! We had a wonderful tour with Cecilia. She was knowledgeable and experienced. Wonderful Experience
cindy🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
30 April 2025
Carlo’s passion for history is evident from the start and infectious. He is knowledgeable and engaging even for our 11 year old traveler. Super nice too. Wish he could have been our guide through our entire trip! Carlo was THE BEST!!! Don’t hesitate and book him NOW!THE BEST guide of entire trip in Italy!!
Benjamin🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 April 2025
Paolo has an amazing knowledge of Roman history and a wonderful personality to lead tours. He was very friendly and conscientious of our speed (we were a bit slow with jet lag) and always made sure that we were going at a comfortable pace. His knowledge of Ancient Rome (and also more modern history) was fantastic - he answered every question we had, and posited some of his own theories and local customs. It brought Rome alive for us. I really cannot recommend him highly enough. Exceeded all expectations
Mirjam
(About local )
27 April 2025
Paolo weet enorm veel, kan het op een leuke manier vertellen (en het scherm voegt ook veel toe). Hij houdt goed rekening met onze kinderen en dat is ook erg fijn. Absolute aanrader!
Ps: en hij heeft ook nog een tip voor superlekker Italiaans ijs ;)Aanrader!
Sascha🇳🇱 Netherlands
(About local )
27 April 2025
We had a very special tour during the Pope’s funeral. Even though Rome was busier than ever, Valeria found the most quiet spaces in one of Rome’s most important historic sites, to explain to us how this magnificent structure was built, what the importance was during all centuries. She has been so kind to us, adapting the tour to our needs and time, giving me and my son the loveliest last day of our stay in Rome.Closseum at it’s best thanks to Valeria
Daniel🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 April 2025
I’ve used Withlocals a dozen times in multiple countries and this was at the top. One of our group broke their leg a month before the trip so we had to request a change in itinerary and special accommodations. Valentina took care of everything and we all had a great time. She’s a lovely person and wonderful guide and took such good care of us. The best of the best. Withlocals is consistently the best service in Western Europe. You get what you pay for!!A standout guide!
Matthew🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
26 April 2025
My family and I had an awesome tour with Pierre. He was very engaging and knowledgeable about the ancient Roman’s. He engaged with my kids and got them involved in the tour.Awesome tour of colleseum
Gayla
(About local )
26 April 2025
Lia Beatrice was such a great guide. She was able to accommodate a schedule change due to a missed flight. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing! I am so glad to have met her.Fabulous tour
Katie🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
26 April 2025
Paulo was an excellent tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about Rome’s history. He used a tablet to assist with showing us depictions of Ancient Rome, which helped with our understanding of the history. He added lots of fun facts and kept us all thoroughly engaged. I would highly recommend Paulo.Colleseum, Forum, Palentine Hill tour
7zyxw4djvq
(About local )
20 April 2025
Lia was a great guide who brought the history of Rome to life and made the amazing Roman ruins understandable and interesting with her architectural explanations and historical background. Highly recommended!
Mark🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
20 April 2025
Pietro is an exceptional tour guide who combines deep knowledge with a warm and engaging personality. He's friendly, humorous, and fantastic with kids, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and involved. Our tour of Ancient Rome was truly unforgettable, thanks to the fascinating insights and historical context Pietro provided. We wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone eager to dive into the rich history of Ancient Rome.Great Tour Experience
John and Jess🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
15 April 2025
Federico stepped in at the last minute after our booked guide fell sick. We spent 3 fantastic hours with him learning all about the Colosseum and the Forum. He was super well prepared, and tailored some aspects of the information to our cultural background and current residence. At the end of the tour, he gave us many tips for the remainder of our trip, and was even on hand to answer a couple of questions we had after the tour had finished. Would highly recommend him for future tours.Wonderful tour of the Colosseum and Forum
heide🇬🇧 United Kingdom
(About local )
13 April 2025
Our afternoon with Alessandra at the Colosseum was our best for our stay in Rome! Alessandra's passion for Roman ancient history is clear and infectious. She showed us sights and perspectives that the guide books could never do, which made our experience all the more memorable and enjoyable. Her energy never dipped throughout the 3 hour tour, appealing to my 22 year old daughter, as much as me! Book Alessandra now!
Side note, I hope the tour guides get to keep the large proportion of the fees!The Best Tour Guide!
Bryan🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
12 April 2025
Sara was overly flowing with kindness and knowledge of Rome. Our first tour with Sara was at the Colosseum and surrounding areas. She was very accommodating of our questions, and had visuals to share with us at all of the ancient sites. We met someone who loves her city and went above and beyond to share it with us. Highly recommend Sara!!Sara is the best!
Kimberly🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
11 April 2025
We had a wonderful tour with Pietro! He was very knowledgeable of the old and the new. Very accommodating of my 7 year old answering all his questions and keeping the context interesting. Highly recommend Pietro! Wonderful tour guide!
Angelina
(About local )
9 April 2025
Best guide who looks like Roman:) ! We had great experience at Coliseum and Roman Forum thanks to Federico. He show us main locations and bring us back to history of Rome.
As well he was very helpful with other suggestion where to go and what to visit in Rome.
Thank you!
Kevin🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
7 April 2025
This is the second time I have used Withlocals on a tour in Rome. Carlo was so knowledgeable about the tour it made it very easy to get involved and thoroughly engrossed in what we were viewing. His attention to detail brought the area to life and made our time with him very enjoyable. Thank you Carlo for a wonderful tour.Colesseum and surrounding area tour
Angela🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
2 April 2025
Eleonora was very knowledge about the area and answered all our questions. I would recommend Eleonora to anyone who wants a great guide.
Carrie🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 March 2025
I highly recommend Pietro. He took myself, my husband and my teenage daughter on a fabulous tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. He was engaging, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with for the 2 1/2 hours. He adapted to our needs and really knew his stuff. It was a great morning! Great morning with Pietro!
Gregory🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 March 2025
Federico is the best tour guide in Rome!
Not only did Federico give an amazing tour of the Colloseum and Vatican but went beyond by making great suggestions and helpful tips that made our trip incredibly easy and enjoyable!
Federico offered to meet us at our hotel if needed and was flexible on times and arranging a VIP experience all around. Getting the tickets ahead of time and skipping all the fuss and lines!
Thank you Federico!Federico is the best!
connie.agee
(About local )
25 March 2025
Valeria was wonderful, she was professional, knowledgeable, and made the tour fun for the kids too! I wish we had more time with her! She made sure to give us great photo opps and access to areas that she knew would be less crowded! If you get the chance to book with her do! And do at least 3 hours if not more! There is so much to see across the Colosseum & Paletine Hill areas!!Rome Explored
Andree🇨🇦 Canada
(About local )
21 March 2025
Rome is a beautiful and culturally rich city, and to discover it with a knowledgeable guide such as Pietro Paolo makes it a memorable experience. He is a passionate historian/storyteller and brought Rome to life for us! He was very patient with our questions and answered with great detail and also with wit and a great sense of humor. He was very generous with his time and knew where to guide us through the crowds, making it feel not as busy. We have learned so much about the history , the magnitude of the architecture, and the way of life of the ancient Romans. A tour with him is definitely a tour not to miss!Amazing tour!
Phillip🇬🇧 United Kingdom
(About local )
20 March 2025
What an amazing place the colosseum and Roman Forum is!
We had such a great day here and the tour was a highlight of our trip to Rome.
Pietro Paulo was great, he brought the history and magic of Rome to
life for the adults and the kids with great stories & facts.
We would highly recommend a tour with Pietro Paulo Absolutely superb. History brought to life
Jane🇮🇪 Ireland
(About local )
18 March 2025
Eleanor was just fantastic. She brings such energy and enthusiasm to the day. I'd highly recommend using With Locals and getting Eleonora if you can.Colosseum tour
Eleanor🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
8 March 2025
We had a great time touring the Colosseum and the Forum with Paulo! He was very knowledgeable and thorough. The pace was excellent, and we all came away feeling like we learned a lot about the history of Rome. He was great with adults and kids. Would absolutely recommend him and use him again! Thank you, Paulo!Incredible tour with Paulo!
Marius
(About local )
27 February 2025
We had a very interesting and informative time with Federico in Rome. It was a very special experience to see Rome and its wonderful corners with a real Roman. We can recommend everyone to take a tour with Federico. If we are in Rome again we will contact Federico. Thank youAmazing Rome
Andrea🇬🇧 United Kingdom
(About local )
20 February 2025
The tour with Pietro Paolo was fantastic. My son is seven and has a passion for the Roman Empire. Pietro Paolo made it all come to live on our tour through the Colosseum and the Foro Romano. He made the history of these places very interesting and had a lot of funny and astonishing facts as well as pictures that showed what it was like at the time. I can recommend this tour 100 %. Excellent Tour - The highlight of our trip
Tiel
(About local )
15 January 2025
We had the most amazing tour with Cecilia in and around the colosseum. The experience would not have been the same without Cecilia‘s wealth of knowledge. The tour was not rushed which is incredible given the amount we managed to pack into the time we had.
Thanks so much CeciliaThank you so much Cecilia!
Aurélien🇧🇪 Belgium
(About local )
10 January 2025
Great visit with Valentina through the Colosseo, Palatine Hill and forum. It is invaluable to have someone like her helping the ruins come alive! Thank you! See you soon for a Spritz!Fantastic tour!
Joshua
(About local )
9 January 2025
Very much enjoyed our tour of the coliseum and the forum. Cecilia is a wonderful guide with a lot of history and details about the monuments. Highly recommend. A great day
Fosca
(About local )
7 January 2025
I was just in Rome with my daughter and nephew and booked a guided visit of Ancient Rome in English with Eleonora. The tour went above and beyond my expectations. Eleonora was knowledgeable, fun and perfect for our little group: a college student majoring in history, a high schooler with a keen interest in the classics and history, and me, a lifelong learner. Eleonora led us expertly through the ruins, alternating intriguing stories with hard facts giving us a solid foundation and understanding of life in Rome in the past, through the centuries, and up to the present day. The three of us absolutely loved our time with Eleonora and learned a great deal from her and our tour. I cannot recommend her highly enough! Book a tour with wonderful Eleonora!
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